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Biomedical subjects

J L Blenner

Publications and source records attributed to J L Blenner.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Effects of prefrontal cortex lesions on visual evoked potential augmenting/reducing.

Visual evoked potentials to 4 stimulus intensities were recorded from Fz, Cz, and Oz, all referred to A2, in 23 neurologically normal subjects and 21 neurosurgical patients with prefrontal lesions. The response amplitude as a function of intensity was evaluated for P1/N1 and N1/P2 components. At the Oz lead, the EP amplitude consistently increased with brighter stimuli more rapidly in the prefrontal group than in the controls. Similar, though less consistent, effects were seen at Fz and Cz. These findings suggest that the phenomenon of augmenting/reducing is at least partially influenced by prefrontal-mediated inhibition of sensory processes.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Development of the Stimulus Intensity Modulation Scale.

The purpose of this study was to theoretically base, develop, and test items for the Stimulus Intensity Modulation Scale (SIMS) which was intended for use in healthy as well as ill populations. According to stimulus intensity modulation theory, persons vary in their need for stimuli, depending on their nervous system's ability to modulate sensory stimuli. Content validity was established for the SIMS and a principle component extraction with varimax rotation resulted in a three-factor solution supporting the theoretical factors of pain tolerance, attention and habituation. Item analysis resulted in a final scale of 27 items. An internal consistency of .81 was achieved for the overall SIMS. Respective subscale coefficients of .82, .74, and .63 were obtained. Test-retest coefficients of .92, .83, .79 and .95 for the total scale and its subscales, respectively, were obtained over a 1-month period. Discriminant validity and freedom from socially desirable response bias was also accomplished.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Health care providers' treatment approaches to culturally diverse infertile clients.

This study focuses on the research question of how health providers approach treatment of culturally diverse infertile clients. Findings from in-depth interviews of 28 health providers in a major city in Southern California revealed three types of providers: (1) culturally unaware, (2) culturally nontolerant, and 3) culturally sensitive. Culturally unaware providers failed to recognize different cultural needs and treated all clients in the same way, an approach that eventually led to noncompliance. Culturally nontolerant providers recognized diverse needs, but they were unwilling to tolerate cultural conflicts in treatment or to change treatment protocols. This often resulted in providers terminating treatment or making referrals to a more culturally tolerant provider. Culturally sensitive providers acquired information on cultural beliefs, worked within clients' limitations, and adapted tests and treatment protocols to meet clients' needs. These findings may offer insights into care and treatment approaches used by health providers in a highly technological, specialist-level treatment of culturally diverse clients in an urban setting.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1990

Attaining self-care in infertility treatment.

This grounded theory study explored 25 couples' perceptions as they underwent infertility assessment and treatment. Constant comparative analysis was used to develop a substantive theory of attaining self-care in infertility treatment. This theory describes infertile patients' movement from a passive to an active role. The process consists of four sequential phases: (a) perceiving that physicians lack a complete picture; (b) actively acquiring knowledge; (c) taking control; and (d) being satisfied with treatment. These findings offer a self-care model that nurses can initiate on behalf of infertile and similar patients responding to long-term, highly technological treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Passage through infertility treatment: a stage theory.

This grounded theory study explored the perceptions of 25 couples as they underwent infertility assessment and treatment. A substantive theory of passage through infertility treatment explains the psychosocial responses of couples to their infertility from prediagnosis to posttreatment. The theory consists of three concepts--engagement, immersion and disengagement. Eight stages were identified within these concepts: experiencing a dawning of awareness, facing a new reality, having hope and determination, intensifying treatment, spiralling down, letting go, quitting and moving out, and shifting the focus.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Modality specificity of evoked potential augmenting/reducing.

Visual and auditory evoked potentials to 4 stimulus intensities in each modality were recorded from Fz, Cz, and Oz (visual) and Fz and Cz (auditory). Response amplitudes for P1-N1 and N1-P2 components were analyzed. Visual responses at Oz showed no increase in amplitude with brighter stimuli for either component. At both Fz and Cz, response amplitude increased with stimulus intensity at each lead for both modalities. For P1-N1 the slope of the stimulus/response function was similar for both modalities. However, for N1-P2 the slope was significantly higher for auditory than for visual EPs. These results are inconsistent with a view of augmenting/reducing as resulting from sensory modulation by a non-specific mechanism, such as the mesencephalic reticular formation, and instead suggest that a more selective mechanism such as regulation of sensory transmission by the prefrontal cortex may underlie this phenomenon.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Researcher for a day: a simulation game.

Nursing students often consider research dull, with little relevance to their clinical practice. Dynamic teaching strategies are needed to promote positive attitudes toward research. A simulation game, "Researcher for a Day," was developed. The game was designed to be a challenging and enjoyable research learning experience and to provide an applied experience for the theoretical content of the research process. It also exposes students to potential obstacles to data collection. Evaluation indicates that students are enthusiastic while they learn the major objectives of the game.

Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clomiphene-induced mood swings.

A study of couples' perceptions of infertility treatment with clomiphene (clomiphene citrate) revealed mood swings in 9 out of 14 women using the drug. This paper describes the mood swings and the responses of women and their spouses. Three phases of mood swing response emerged from the data: lacking awareness of the relation of the mood swings to the drug; gaining awareness of that relation; and managing the mood swings. The results of the study provide important information for nurses counseling couples who are experiencing clomiphene-induced mood swings.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Stress and mediators: patients' perceptions of infertility treatment.

In-depth joint interviews of 25 infertile couples covering the full range of infertility etiologies and treatments were conducted in this qualitative study. Professional competency, sensitivity, and environmental comfort acted as mediators by increasing or decreasing treatment stress. In addition, couples individually or collectively developed action or mental strategies to mitigate stress. High stress, lack of hope, and frustration led to contemplation of terminating treatment.

Adult↗